Education of diabetic patients: synthesis of evidence-based medicine and psychological approach

Education of diabetic patients is not only an applied but also a research branch of diabetology. The efficacy of this therapeutic modality must be assessedin accordance with the principles of evidence-based medicine. At the same time, it extends beyond the framework of standard medical actionsand implies the necessity of taking into account the psychosocial context. The main stages of the development of diabetes education at the EndocrinologicalResearch Centre are reviewed including evaluation of the efficacy of structured programs, cooperation with international institutions,and development of new methods. Psychological characteristics of diabetic patients are discussed with reference to taking them into account for thepurpose of education.